Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

A little more research has revealed that a MFC (Microbial Fuel Cell) must use anaerobic conditions. In aerobic conditions bacteria are free to use near by oxygen for the electron they wish to transfer. The anaerobic condition leaves only the cathode exposed to available electrons from oxygen. This creates the electrical difference between the anode and the cathode.

Since I have already placed the carbon fiber cloth in the water nothing will be lost if I run the full coarse of the experiment, but I think I'm only going to end up with a really cool fabric for my next fiberglass project. Or I could try creating an anaerobic solution outside of the aquaponic system.

You might try and put the carbon cloth under the grow media and the rod in a bubble cloud in your tank as a second experiment. The charges of the cloth and the rod will already differ being made of different metals which will make either cathode or anode the stronger role for one of your electrodes..

On October 4th 2013 I began an experimenting with Microbial Fuel Cells. My initial experiment consisted of a piece of carbon fiber cloth 36” x 4” which I placed in the water of my aquaponic system. The bacteria grew on this cloth. After nine days I measured the voltage at .97 millivolt (mv) using a stainless steel cathode approximately 6"x8".

I'm posting the results of this experiment on my blog
http://chicoaquaponic.blogspot.com/2013/10/microbial-fuel-cell.html

I tested the voltage again today and found that if I moved the cathode closer to the anode I could get 300 mv!
I also need to correct my last post. I measured 97 mv not 0.97 mv

I will try to remember to measure the maximum amperage as well next time.

I'm posting the results of this experiment on my blog
http://chicoaquaponic.blogspot.com/2013 ... -cell.html